Contributing Writer

"Cicada Bomb"- Jeff Mickey (wood) / Photo by Rhiannon Gilbert.

An exhibit combining the works of two artists from opposite ends of the country is now open in the Todd Art Gallery.

The exhibit, "Connections: The Work of Jenny Kemp and Jeff Mickey," features pieces of multimedia art designed to make viewers consider the living world around them and the various impacts they have on it.

Jenny Kemp, professor of art at Sienna College and Russell Sage College in New York, relies on her interest in organic form and color to create her brightly painted pieces. The exhibit also features two of Kemp's stop-motion animated videos, which she created by taking pictures of her paintings throughout the creation process. Kemp said the organic approach to her work "stems from contemplations on human beings and our unquestionable relationship to organic matter."

Jeff Mickey, professor of sculptural art at Southeastern Louisiana University, uses elements such as wood, cord and wire to make his artwork. His most recent collection, titled "Lost Landscapes," reflects his interest in things like maps, systems, insects and ecology. He is especially concerned with sustainability.

"In a larger sense our actions may seem inconsequential, but the mass effect of each person on this planet has the potential to change its very nature, Mickey said.

Although Kemp and Mickey operate more than 1,000 miles apart, MTSU's Department of Art's Student Gallery Committee found that their artwork coincides perfectly.

"This is a good show," said Eric Snyder, gallery director. "The committee did a really good job of bringing these two artists together."

Snyder discussed how featuring artwork like this in university galleries is good publicity for the artists, and educational for students.

"I like to visit the galleries because it gives you the opportunity to talk about art, said Kirby Fuller, a junior art education major. It opens you up to things you haven't been exposed to before."

This could certainly be the case with "Connections," if the exhibit has the effect Mickey desires.

"I hope that this will cause the viewer to pause and contemplate their own relationships to the seemingly mundane, but actually complex world around us," he said.

"Connections" is open in from now until April 10 in Todd Hall. All events are free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.